Full Notification

 Andre Elijah Washington, 17, of Burton, was arrested following an early morning incident in which shots were fired at Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Deputies.

 Arrest warrants served on Washington include Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Person Under 18, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, Aggravated Breach of Peace, Burglary 1^st, and Trespassing.

Shortly before 5 a.m. on April 21, 2026, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a call regarding a disturbance on Wildcat Lane in Burton. Upon arrival, deputies determined the incident was domestic-related.

Shortly after deputies arrived on scene, Washington fired shots at deputies, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. A perimeter was quickly established, and a search for Washington ensued.

During the search of the area with K9 units, a firearm believed to have been used by Washington was located. The weapon was collected for evidence and testing to confirm it is the same weapon used by Washington. 

Washington was located and taken into custody without incident. He was unarmed at the time of his arrest. During the search for the suspect, there was no threat to the public.

No injuries were reported during this incident.

Due to the proximity of nearby schools, the Beaufort County School District was notified as a precaution.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Beaufort Police Department, Port Royal Police Department, Bluffton Police Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). We appreciate their continued partnership and support.

Deputies involved in the incident were placed on Administrative Leave until an Internal Affairs investigation is concluded in connection with this incident. 

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office encourages the public to report suspicious and criminal activity by calling 911, our non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777, or via Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County.